Horticulturist Stephen Block reminds us that the meditative, therapeutic power of plants is not limited to the garden.
Creating a thriving “plantscape” inside the home — whether that home is a 500-sq-ft studio in Manhattan or a sprawling Beverly Hills estate — offers both aesthetic and emotional enrichment for occupants.
Stephen Block, founder and president of Southern California-based Inner Gardens, elevates interiors through rare species of flora and unique vessels in which to present them. With clients like Elton John, Sofia Vergara and Cher, plus commercial projects that include Wolfgang Puck’s Spago and the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Block is a true celebrity-caliber horticulturist.
Early in his career, Block began collecting antiques, initially experimenting with rusty cans as vases but eventually elevating his inventory for a luxury clientele while adjusting to emerging trends. “The industry has been moving away from lush, oversized tropical foliage toward a more architectural and minimalist aesthetic,” says Block, who appreciates the Japanese principle of wabisabi, an ancient concept of beauty based on the imperfect, transient or incomplete. “If it’s too perfect, it doesn’t interest me,” quips Block, who instead believes cracks, blemishes and patinas developed over decades or centuries have the power to unlock the human responses of reflection and meditation.
When evaluating an interior space, Block first assesses the lighting, which dictates what species can flourish in that location. “It’s important to get the scale right,” he says. “We strive to complement the interior architecture and design.” Favoring twisted trunks and patinaed vessels, the designer explains that “organic asymmetry and natural flaws become part of a plant’s character, creating a sense of calm and a meditative atmosphere.” He notes quieter, more contemplative compositions can transform a terrace or corner of a room into a serene, Zen-like retreat. Block cites juniper, bonsai black pine, maple, and Ficus palmeri as plants that bring a peaceful, reflective quality to a space.
“A lot of what Inner Gardens does is to provide the ‘jewelry,’” says Block. “Some of our work is theater, and the unexpected is generally much more interesting than the expected.”